PRINCESS HOUSE

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for the Environment (a) what his Ministry intends to do with the former Environment Building with its annex at Alexandra Road which has been vacant for some time; and (b) whether the premises are properly maintained.

The Minister for the Environment (Dr Ahmad Mattar): Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry shifted out of Princess House and its Annex in September 1986. Even before Princess House fell vacant, the Land Office, the authority responsible for the re-allocation of all Government buildings, had circularized the availability of the premises to Government departments and statutory boards. However, there were no takers.

A tender was then called by the Land Office to lease out the premises to the private sector on a short-term tenancy basis for use as offices or commercial school. No tenders were received. The HDB has long-term plans to redevelop this area. Hence, the premises can be used only on a short-term basis.

According to the Land Office, further attempts will be made to let out these premises. The Land Office in consultation with the Planning authorities and HDB will see whether these premises can be leased out on a longer term and for other uses besides offices or commercial shool. Meanwhile, the premises are adequately maintained by my Ministry.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta): Sir, could the Minister elaborate on the maintenance programme for the buildings?

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the maintenance provided by my Minister is as follows:

a) daily sweeping of the compound to clear litter and leaves;

b) weekly mosquito surveillance within and outside the buildings;

c) monthly grass cutting and occasional pruning of trees and shrubs; and also

d) overseeing the security of the premises by daily deployment of a watchman.